Review: ‘Tightrope’

Tightrope sees Clint Eastwood comfortably in the role of a big city homicide cop, but also as a vulnerable, hunted man, a deserted husband, father of two daughters, a man whose taste for seamy sex nearly brings him down.

Tightrope sees Clint Eastwood comfortably in the role of a big city homicide cop, but also as a vulnerable, hunted man, a deserted husband, father of two daughters, a man whose taste for seamy sex nearly brings him down.

Written and directed by Richard Tuggle, pic trades extensively on the theme of guilt transference from killer to presumed hero which for so long was the special domain of Alfred Hitchcock.

Surface action is highly familiar, as an anonymous killer, stalks prostitutes and massage parlor girls in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Eastwood has been accustomed to taking his pleasure with the very sort of women upon whom the murderer is preying.

A fair amount of running time is given over to Eastwood’s relationship with his growing daughters (older of whom is played by his real-life offspring, Alison).

It all leads up to a rather predictable assault on the cop’s home and daughters, and some sweating and soul-searching on his part.

Overall, however, action is well-handled, as Tuggle demonstrates ample storytelling talent and draws a multitude of nuances from his cast.